Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index

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Insomnia is the perception of inadequate or poor-quality
sleep. It can be due to
problems falling asleep, early wakening, waking frequently during the night,
unrefreshing sleep, or a combination of these. Contrary to some popular beliefs,
insomnia is not defined by the total amount of sleep one gets or how long it
takes a person to fall asleep. Individuals can vary in their need for sleep, and
in the time required to fall asleep. What is a refreshing night's sleep for one
person might be insomnia for another person.

Insomnia may be classified by how long the symptoms are present. Temporary
insomnia (transient insomnia)
usually is due to situational changes, such as travel and stressful events. It
lasts for less than a week or until the stressful event is resolved. Short-term insomnia lasts for
one to three weeks, and
long-term insomnia (chronic insomnia)
continues for more than three weeks. Insomnia may also be classified as primary or
secondary. Primary insomnia occurs in the absence of other medical problems,
while secondary insomnia occurs as a result of a medical condition such as
heart
disease, arthritis, cancer, or heartburn
causing wakefulness.

Insomnia is more likely to occur in females, people over
60 years of age, and people who have a history of depression, however, anyone
can be affected by insomnia. Short-term insomnia may also occur as a side effect
of certain medications. Chronic insomnia is more serious and may be caused or worsened by a
variety of mental and physical problems.

Although sedative medications may be prescribed by a
doctor for severe cases of insomnia, their use is controversial in management of
long-term insomnia. Many treatments for insomnia are behavioral in nature; for example, identifying
and reducing behaviors that worsen the insomnia or learning and practicing
relaxation techniques. Insomnia can be particularly devastating because it often
leads to a "vicious cycle" of daytime behaviors that worsen the condition.
Persons without adequate sleep can experience tiredness, lack of energy, and
concentration problems; which they may attempt to overcome by excessive caffeine
intake or nicotine use. Insomniacs may be "too tired" to exercise and take
afternoon naps, both of which reduce the ability to fall asleep the following
night.